Title
Mirror with the four directional symbols
Year/Period
Han dynasty, around 1st century BC – 1st century AD
Region
China
Material
Dimension
Object Size: 1 x 12.8 x 12.8 cm
Accession No.
2005.1-00835
Collection of
Credit Line
The Tang Shipwreck was acquired through the generous donation of the Estate of Khoo Teck Puat.
This is the oldest of the 29 Chinese bronze mirrors recovered from the Tang shipwreck. This mirror which dates to the middle Han period is one of three antique mirrors found. It is an unusual and enigmatic find as it predates most of the other mirrors by several centuries. But it does suggest that mirrors were treasured heirlooms and fine examples were used by many generations. The decoration on the mirror is divided into several concentric circles; the main design shows the mythical animals representing the four cardinal directions, depicted in fine line relief.
